Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Knapp.
Hi Carrie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was a child I have always had a knack for decorating and design. I often would move the family furniture around in my childhood home and instead of getting into trouble, I would receive praise and applause. In my early twenties, I moved to San Diego to soak up the sun that had been missing from my life. I grew up in the Pacific NW with about ninety days of sunshine yearly. I found myself people watching constantly and always paid close attention to what all the cool surfer dudes and grungy skateboarders were wearing. In 2012, I designed my first dumb. shirt that was only a vision in my brain at the time. I had it screen printed at a local shop while visiting my nephew at ASU, It was fluorescent orange and in big white letters dumb. across the chest. It was always a conversation starter whenever I would wear the shirt.
I knew the logo was catchy and therefore I decided to make it an acronym. After carefully selecting the four words that spoke to me most from my heart, I knew I had come up with something pretty significant and that applied to all.
In 2017 dumb. made a decision to support the idea that diversity should be celebrated, unity embraced, morality aspired to and beauty understood to be more than just appearance. We choose bold and vibrant colors for our apparel to get your attention, but most importantly so that the dumb. mission gets spread throughout the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have faced and continue to face many obstacles and challenges. I am not very computer savvy, so I am always looking for more savvy people to help fix my technical issues. Another challenge is dealing with rejection. It isn’t easy to be told no or feel like someone doesn’t like your creation, but it sure feels good when somebody does! Creating a dream takes lots of time and money. I have learned that you have to prioritize your goals and spend money on what is most important to get you to the next step. Remember this is your dream and may most likely isn’t important to someone else.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would like to consider myself an apparel brand designer. I love bold and vibrant colors. I love clean lines and geometric shapes. My family and friends would probably tell you that I am a very creative, stylish and way ahead of the times kind of gal. I love to paint interior rooms and paint on canvas with acrylic paint. I love watching people light up when they learn of the dumb. brand. If they choose to purchase dumb. apparel clothing, it is always a proud moment for me. I’m an independent thinker consumed with thoughts and ideas on how to help better the world. I’m quirky and known to alleviate worries with humor. I’m a loyal friend and speak my truth.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I have learned that people handle difficult situations in the best way they know-how. We just have to be understanding, supportive and show kindness even if we don’t agree.
Pricing:
- dumb. classic tee $28
- dumb. classic long sleeve tee $32
- dumb. trucker hat $26
- dumb. crop razor tank top $28
- dumb. classic hoodie $54
Contact Info:
- Email: info@dumbapparel.com
- Website: https://www.dumbapparel.com/
- Instagram: dumb.apparel
- Facebook: dumb.
- Other: @act_dumb (tik tok)
Image Credits
Kim Krupsky ATX Photographer Glow Honey Photography
